At least 15 people have been killed amid devastating flooding in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday, and he said he expects the death toll to “more than double.”
The fatalities will likely include children, the governor said on CNN.
Among those killed was an 81-year-old woman, according to the governor.
On Thursday, Beshear called it “one of the worst, most devastating” floods in the state’s history, and said he anticipates this will be one of the deadliest floods in Kentucky in “a very long time.”
Van Jackson checks on his dog, Jack, who was stranded at a church by flood waters along Right Beaver Creek following a day of heavy rain, on July 28, 2022, in Garrett, Ky.
By Pat McDonogh/USA Today Network
A car is submerged in flood waters along Right Beaver Creek following a day of heavy rain, on July 28, 2022, in Garrett, Ky.
By Pat McDonogh/USA Today Network
A flash flood emergency was issued in Kentucky late Wednesday as 2 to 5 inches of rain pounded the Bluegrass State. The governor said there was a chance for another 2 to 3 inches of rain Thursday night or over the weekend.
As of Friday morning, central and eastern Kentucky remain under a flood watch, according to Beshear.
“While rain totals are not expected to be as high, flooding still remains a concern due to saturated grounds,” the governor tweeted. “Please stay safe and alert, Kentucky.”
Water surrounds homes and structures after flash flooding near Quicksand, Ky., July 28, 2022.
Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP
Homes are flooded by Lost Creek, Ky., July 28, 2022, after heavy rains caused flash flooding and mudslides in parts of central Appalachia.
Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP
The state is combating washed out roads, destroyed homes and flooded schools, according to Beshear.
“Hundreds” have been rescued by boat and many people remain stranded, Beshear said Friday.
A truck drives along flooded Wolverine Road in Breathitt County, Ky., July 28, 2022, after heavy rains caused flash flooding and mudslides in parts of central Appalachia. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says it’s some of the worst flooding in state history.
Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP
Bonnie Combs hugs her 10-year-old granddaughter Adelynn Bowling, as she watches her property become covered by the North Fork of the Kentucky River in Jackson, Ky., July 28, 2022.
Timothy D. Easley/AP
Hundreds of residents are expected to lose their homes and it’ll likely take families years to recover and rebuild, he said.
Three of Kentucky’s state parks are being opened to people who have lost their homes, according to the governor.
The governor has requested federal assistance.
ABC News’ Alexandra Faul, Kenton Gewecke and Morgan Winsor contributed to this report.
